Richard Gere showed up unannounced at Open Arms’ 10th anniversary charity celebration on Monday at La Llotja de Barcelona, with one condition attached to his attendance. The Hollywood actor insisted his presence not be advertised beforehand so it wouldn’t overshadow the event’s purpose.
Gere, who became friends with Open Arms founder Òscar Camps after visiting Lampedusa, was one of several high-profile guests at the exclusive event. Joan Manuel Serrat also accepted Camps’ invitation immediately, agreeing not only to attend but to perform alongside Rigoberta Bandini and Rozalén.
The performance became the night’s highlight, with everyone singing along to “Mediterráneo” whilst guests like Mossos d’Esquadra director general Josep Lluís Trapero, doctor Bonaventura Clotet and chef Nandu Jubany pulled out their phones to record the unique moment.
Gere took the opportunity to criticise US politics, declaring “We have a president who is completely mad” in reference to Donald Trump, with actress Rossy de Palma showing her support alongside Gere’s wife Alejandra. Other attendees included Sílvia Abril, Andreu Buenafuente, Rosa Olucha, Santi Millán, Eduard Fernández and Sergi López, who’s enjoying success with hit film “Sirat” this year.
The guest list also featured singer Gerard Quintana, doctor Josep Maria Argimon, journalist Laura Durán, stylist Mariona Ferran, businessman Jordi Barceló and Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun. The exclusive anniversary celebration achieved worldwide reach when Gere posted an Instagram reel the next day to his 74 million followers.
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